Let the Beading Begin: Week 1 - Pendants

Once again, I have fallen off the bead wagon.  Most of my life, I've quit or lost interest in my various adventures.  This time, I plan on breaking that cycle.

I hoped to participate in challenges to keep up my motivation while encouraging myself to learn something new.  The two challenges I am participating in aren't enough.  There are so many challenges out there, I couldn't decide which to do next.

I decided to create my own weekly challenges.  I took a stack of flash cards and wrote down 23 different things to try in the upcoming weeks.  After a little shuffling, I have a pretty busy 5 months.

Let the beading begin!  Week 1 is pendants.

More pendants to come.

Feel free to join in the weekly fun!  If you'd like to participate, please leave a comment with your blog address, and I'll start a blog hop list.

Next week is wire working!

Car Beading

Who knew beading in a car would be so challenging?  Well, it wasn't the smartest idea.  I couldn't pass up a chance to use such beautiful stones and what better time to bead than when I have two hours to kill while riding in a car.  I lost a few beads every now and then.  Don't worry, they all made their way into the necklace.

Finally finished!  It's a bit heavy, but I love the chunky look.  My work wardrobe is sprinkled with aqua and I now have jewelry to match.

Weekend Projects

A year and a half ago, my boyfriend bought me a membership to one of our local bead shops.  The membership came with 6 free classes.  When I renewed my membership this year, I got 3 more classes.  For some reason, I have feared taking a class.

I finally took the plunge!  The class was great, and we made a wonderful bracelet with braided leather.  You would not believe that the hardest part of the whole piece was braiding the leather.  Ridiculous. I braid may hair almost every day; I should have been a pro.  I had a wonderful time my classmates were hilarious.  We all had so much fun.  I can't wait to take another class.

Beads and braiding

I made a lovely green (shocker) necklace over the weekend.  I'm trying to dwindle down my massive bead collection before I any buy more.  I'm sure there will be more green in the near future.

3 strands twisted strands of chips

I want to add a few charms to the chip rows, but don't know what beads to use.

I also took a stab at chainmaille.  I'm not done with this bracelet yet.  I might add another set of loops and a few charms.

Yummy Soup

My soup arrived last week.  I am so excited.  I love it all.  I have no idea what I am going to make.

I bought Easy Beading Vol. 8 and am on a mission to try out a few new techniques.  I love the variety of styles and techniques. Thank you Lori for introducing this wonderful book to me. I already made a necklace inspired by one in the book.  You'll have to read see the next post for that one.

I can't wait to put this all together.  Take a look at the lovely goodies.  Thanks Kay!

A little fiber

Absolutely love the focal heart

All the tasty options

Stay tuned for the big reveal on August 25th.  Stop by the Bead Soup Blog Party page, where you can check out all 400 participants' blogs.  Bead Soup Blog Party

Enjoy!